Emerald Isle boater's death in S.C. ruled accidental drowning

The death of an Emerald Isle boater whose body was found last month in the water near a frequent South Carolina destination has been ruled an accidental drowning, authorities said.

Daily News staff

The death of an Emerald Isle boater whose body was found last month in a river near a frequent South Carolina destination has been ruled an accidental drowning, authorities said.

The Georgetown County Coroner’s Office this week said that the male whose body was pulled from the Sampit River on Feb. 8 has been positively identified by X-rays provided by the family as Keith Edward Sullivan.

“An autopsy conducted at the Medical University of Charleston shows the cause of death as drowning. The manner is accidental,” said Deputy Coroner Paulette Radcliff.

Sullivan, 45, had been reported missing on Jan. 12.

His body was found by a friend, Capt. Ronnie Campbell, the owner of Tow Boat U.S. in Georgetown, S.C. in waters near the foot of St. James Street.

In a previous Daily News report, Campbell said Sullivan lived aboard his sailboat, Saga. Campbell said he knew it was Sullivan he found but a formal identification was required.

The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office said Sullivan was anchored in the Sampit River area near the town dock on Front Street in Georgetown until his still unexplained disappearance.

It is not known how Sullivan went into the water, but Campbell said it appears he made it to Goat Island, stripped off all his clothes except his underwear and attempted to swim back to his sailboat.

Graham Funeral Home in Georgetown, S.C. is handling arrangements and information on its website indicated no services had been set.